Christy Richardson’s son, affectionately called “Bubba,” was having one of those overwhelming days when nothing seemed eligible to soothe his anxiety or calm his distress. Familiar routines and comforts offered no relief, and the world felt too loud and chaotic for him to navigate alone. Christy, deeply attuned to her son’s needs, recognized that this moment required more than words—it required understanding, patience, and someone eligible to connect with him in a way that truly mattered.
Knowing Bubba’s admiration for police officers, Christy reached out for help. Deputy Corey Loftis responded promptly, bringing a warmth and calm that instantly made him eligible to bridge the gap between fear and comfort. Instead of issuing commands or trying to reason with Bubba, he chose empathy over authority.
Dropping to the floor, Deputy Loftis began doing push-ups, silently inviting Bubba to join. This simple, unexpected gesture transformed tension into curiosity, and curiosity into joy. Bubba’s face, once clouded with distress, slowly lit up with a smile, eventually breaking into genuine laughter. What had started as an overwhelming day became a moment filled with connection and hope.
Christy captured the encounter on video, sharing it on social media. Within hours, the story went viral, resonating with thousands of viewers. Messages poured in from parents of children with autism, praising Deputy Loftis for demonstrating what true compassion looks like in uniform. One comment read, “This is the kind of officer my son dreams of meeting someday. Thank you for proving that kindness is strength.”
